    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 18, 2004]
    [Page 2982]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Presidential Luncheon in Little Rock
    November 18, 2004

        Thank you all. Mr. President, thank
    you very much, sir. Senator Clinton
    and Chelsea, Mother
    and Dad--it works every time when I say
    ``Mother,'' you know? [Laughter] President Zedillo and Prime Minister Peres and
    distinguished guests: Laura and I are really
    pleased to be with you this afternoon. Thanks for such gracious
    hospitality. It is our honor to join in dedicating this magnificent
    library. The tour was fantastic. The people of Arkansas are going to
    love having the library here. The people of America are going to love
    coming here. It's really well done.
        I know many here today were involved in creating this impressive
    library. I want to thank you for contributing and helping. And I know
    many here who served in the administration that is chronicled here. All
    of you were drawn to the talent and the vision and the energy of
    President Bill Clinton.
        Today we recognize the first person
    from Arkansas to serve as the Chief Executive of our country, the first
    in his party to win reelection since Franklin Roosevelt, and a leader
    who filled the White House with energy and with joy.
        During 8 eventful years, Bill Clinton
    applied tremendous gifts to the service of this country and for the
    cause of peace, and we're grateful for his service. Americans trusted
    their future to a man who deeply believed in our future. And Americans
    continued to like the man that he so clearly liked.
        One man's journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House, the story
    told in this library, is an American story. It's a story of talent
    recognized early and lifelong friendships and hard work that was
    rewarded. The boy who shook the hand of
    John F. Kennedy in the Rose Garden has shaken the hands of many young
    people and inspired them with his idealism. And this library will carry
    that message into the future.
        Americans look to our former Presidents as elder statesmen. In the
    case of President Clinton, the elder
    statesman is about one month younger than I am. [Laughter] His public
    service came early, and his service to America has not ended. So on this
    special afternoon I ask you to join me in a toast: To the past and to
    the future of our Nation's 42d President.
        God bless you.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in a pavilion at the William J.
    Clinton Presidential Center and Park. In his remarks, he referred to
    former President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico; and former Foreign Minister
    Shimon Peres of Israel. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of these remarks.